News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

November 11, 2012

LOS ANGELES - The Kings are playing without center DeMarcus Cousins, who was suspended by the NBA Sunday for two games for "confronting Spurs announcer Sean Elliot in a hostile manner" after Friday's loss to the Spurs at Sleep Train Arena.

Cousins left the locker room to confront Elliott after being told that Elliott had made comments about him that were critical.

Cousins said Friday that Elliott was "immature" for his comments that included Elliott suggesting Cousins should have more "humility" playing against Tim Duncan.

There were attempts to keep Cousins from confronting Elliott, but he insisted on going back to the floor.

The message of accountability was relayed to Cousins again.

"When you make mistakes that affect not just you, it affects our entire team," said Kings coach Keith Smart.

This is the third time in three seasons Cousins has missed time for disciplinary reasons. This is the first time the punishment was handed down by the league.

Cousins missed a game as a rookie after a physical altercation with teammate Donte Greene.

Cousins missed a game last season after coach Paul Westphal said Cousins demanded a trade for a second time early in the season.